Sanofi's Chattem Acquires Over-the-Counter Antacid Rolaids® -- Product acquisition further strengthens Consumer Healthcare Division of Sanofi US --

, /PRNewswire/ -- Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE : SNY) today announced that its US Consumer Healthcare Division, Chattem, Inc., completed the acquisition of the worldwide rights to the Rolaids brand from McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc.

" said , Chief Executive Officer, Chattem. "."

Rolaids is an over-the-counter antacid that helps relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. The product was first introduced in 1954 and over the years it has been a top selling gastro-intestinal category brand. Chattem will re-launch Rolaids and expects the product to be available at retailers within a year.

said , President, North America Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi

In 2008, Sanofi identified consumer healthcare as a core growth platform for the company and subsequently acquired -based Chattem in March 2010.  The acquisition of Chattem provided Sanofi with a presence in the U.S. consumer healthcare market, which represents 25 percent of the current worldwide market. In the Spring of 2011, Chattem and Sanofi launched Allegra over-the-counter (OTC) in what has proven to be one of the most successful OTC launches in the U.S.  

In addition to Allegra, Chattem's portfolio of consumer healthcare brands includes Icy Hot, Gold Bond, Cortizone-10, Selsun Blue, ACT and Unisom.

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets and animal health. Sanofi is listed in (EURONEXT: SAN) and in (NYSE: SNY).

SOURCE Sanofi